News — Boating

How to Polish Pontoons for a Mirror Finish (And make it last!)

By: Jim Harmer

It’s funny how pontooners get about their pontoons.  Despite the fact that it makes no difference in durability, and the fact that you’ll end up needing to shine them up again before too long, and the fact that half of them are below the water line, we still like a nice mirror-like finish on our pontoons.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best practices for polishing your pontoons so they look their best out on the water.

If you take your pontoon boat to your dealer and ask them the cost to give you a mirror-like finish and apply Shark Hide, the price is usually around $400 (US), so you’re saving a good chunk of money by doing this project by yourself, and it’s not very hard–just time consuming.  Expect the project to take about 3 hours start to finish–depending on the size of your boat.

Step 1: Prepare the Pontoons

First thing you’ll need to do is remove any algae or buildup on the pontoons.  For those of us who trailer our pontoon boats after each use, this won’t apply, but for those who leave the boat docked or at the marina for extended periods, there is likely to be some buildup.  This is especially true for saltwater pontoons because of the salt deposits.

If there is no visible buildup on the pontoons, then a simple pressure wash with water  will do fine.  If you don’t have a pressure washer, then just do your best to wipe down the surface with a wet rag as you spray.

Step 2: Apply Cleaner

Cleaner will do nothing to actually polish the pontoons, but if you skip this step you’re unlikely to make the polished finish last more than one trip on the lake.

I recommend using toilet bowl cleaner.  Some people use acid baths or other products specific for pontoon boats, but most people I’ve seen just use regular old toilet bowl cleaner mixed in a bucket with 2 parts water and 1 part cleaner.

It can take a long time to apply this to a 22′ pontoon, so I recommend getting a simple one gallon sprayer (like the kind used for your yard) from Home Depot or Lowes.  Go over the entire boat and spray a coat.

Do not let the cleaner dry, but let it sit for as long as it can before it starts to dry up at all.  If it dries, it will leave deposits and will only make matters worse.  Don’t leave it on too long, so work in sections.

Spray off the cleaner thoroughly.  You may want to get a wet rag again and rub as you spray to be sure it’s all off.

Step 3: Buff

If you just want your pontoons clean, you can skip this part.  You may have your finish done with step 2 and you’ll be ready to apply the Shark Hide.  However, if you want that mirror-like finish on the pontoons, then this is the step that will give you the best results.

First, you’ll need a polisher.  Get a Makita, get a Dewalt, get what you want, but remember that some of them are a little overzealous and can put circle marks on the boat if you aren’t careful.  A good choice if you’re in the market is this one from Porter Cable.

Using a wool or other similar pad, go to town and start polishing them ‘toons!  Work in small sections and be careful about the pattern you polish in (not straight up and down lines, for example) so your marks don’t show.  Go in a nice swirly “s” pattern to blend in your movements.

This part of the job will likely take about 2 hours on a standard size pontoon boat.  You don’t realize just how much surface area there is to cover until you get started.

Step 4: Apply Cleaner

At the risk of sounding redundant, you’ll need to re-do step 2.  You can’t leave any polishing compound on the pontoons at all or else it’ll get sealed on there and look terrible.

Since this is the last step before the Shark Hide sealer, be extremely thorough to be sure that the entire surface is cleaned off and rinsed very well.

Step 5: Apply Shark Hide

Just about every pontooner who does this job uses Shark Hide.  For some pontoon boat owners, this is step #1 before they ever put a new boat in the water.

The Shark Hide will come with instructions, but it’s very vague on how much to mix of the solution with water.  Most of the pontooners choose about 3 parts water to 1 part shark hide.

Pontoon Boat Prep: Before the Season Starts…

By: Misty Harbor Boats

If you’re like most pontoon boat owners, you’re itching to get back on the water once the season starts. If you don’t live somewhere with year round warmth, you may have stored the boat away for winter—but that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for the spring and summer season now!

Read on to see a few things you can do to get your pontoon boat ready for fun once the warmer weather rolls around.

 Make improvements

As boat owners, we’re always looking for ways to make our next trip even better than the last. This might mean making improvements to your pontoon boat that make it more enjoyable for everyone on board. If you’ve been thinking about adding features such as a ladder, slide or tent cover to your boat, now is a great time to do it. By the time the season starts up again, your pontoon boat will be decked out and ready to go!

 Clean up your pontoon boat and make necessary repairs

There are, of course, practical issues you may need to take care of during your offseason time. If there are any repairs you need to make on your pontoon boat, now would be a good time to check those out and pick up the necessary parts you may need. If all your boat needs is a bit of freshening up, devote an afternoon to cleaning it up and getting it back to looking like new.

 Plan your next adventure

A fantastic way to keep yourself and your family occupied during the winter months is to plan your next adventure. Whether this is to a local spot or a bona fide vacation destination, everyone will enjoy having a say in the planning process. It’s also a great way to keep your mind focused on the water fun you’ll be having—without actually being on the water.

 Give it a name

If you have not yet given your pontoon boat a name, do it this winter! Every boat needs a good name, both for practical reasons—so help on the water can find you easily, should you ever need it—and fun ones. Every pontoon boat has its own unique personality, just like the people who use it, so be sure to give yours a name that sticks.

 Purchase your new pontoon boat

Like many boaters in search of a fun alternative to traditional powerboats, you may be considering purchasing a brand new pontoon boat this year. Why wait until the season’s already underway to do it? The winter months are the perfect time to think about the style and design you want and get your new boat ready for fun on the water in 2018.

If you fit into this category, get in touch with us today! We can make your pontoon boat wishes a reality in time for the season ahead.

Can’t wait to get back on the water? Try these ideas and hold on just a little longer—you’ll be seeing fellow boaters on your favorite waterways in no time at all. 

PONTOON BOATS: A GOOD PLATFORM FOR FISHING?

By: Line and Sight

Most people think pontoon boats are only good for pulling water-skiers and wake-boarders. The truth is that a lot of anglers today are using them for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Pontoon boats have some key advantages over regular fishing boats. Of course, there are a few downsides to fishing from a pontoon boat as well. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of pontoon boat fishing.

THE PROS
More fishing space

Party barge pontoon boats offer lots of deck space to move around on while fishing. You won’t be cramped for room to cast your line, as you would in a typical two-seater boat.

Keep in mind, not all pontoon boats are big. Some are small one-seaters built for lone fishermen. These types of pontoon boats are comfortable, but don’t offer much space. Bigger pontoon boats give fishermen more space to operate. Their wide, rectangular shape allows for plenty of elbow room. You’ll also have more space between each rod while slow-trolling. You can better space out your down riggers — although you’ll have to order a specialized mount online.

You can safely stand up and move around

If you’re embarking on a family fishing vacation, big pontoon boats are perfect. Their wide deck gives you better stability and balance while standing. The spaciousness a pontoon boat provides will give you room to teach junior how to properly cast his line. Your kids can practice their fishing techniques without snagging you.

Your kids can also move about the boat, which means they’ll be less fidgety and impatient. You can stay on the water with them longer, and enjoy more fishing with the family. The seat sizes in big pontoon boats are also ideal for all day fishing. They’re comparable to sofa cushions, and are good for adults and kids alike. Plus, if you’re out on the water and need to relieve your bladder, having a sturdy boat helps. Just make sure no one’s looking when you do your business.

Of course, if you’re using a one-seater pontoon boat, standing up is not an option. Standing is only smart if you’re on a bigger boat.

They’re a smooth ride over moderate waves

If you like lake and saltwater fishing, then tri-toon boats are a good mix of size, speed, and comfortability. They’re seaworthy, as long as you stay close to the shore. Larger tri-toon boats can be rigged with huge outboards. They can zip through the water at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and beyond. Ocean anglers say they’re performance is comparable to a V-hull.

Pontoon boats can come with very nice interiors. It’s less like a boat, and more like a living room. They definitely offer more comfort than traditional bass fishing boats. Their elevated design allows them to handle bumps and chops on windy days. You can coast smoothly. Their stability on the ocean also makes them ideal for drift fishing. As long as you stay away from big waves, you’ll like pontoon ocean fishing. Just be smart and use them in ideal water conditions.

THE CONS
They’re taller than deck boats

While their height makes them a comfortable ride, it’s more difficult to get your fish into the boat. You’ll have to reach further, and/or lift the fish higher with your rod.

A one-person pontoon boat puts you closer to the water, and allows you to work your way into nooks and shallows. But the bigger, taller ones can cause you to lose fish at the last second. Remember, it can be dangerous to lean over the side and fight with a fish. It’s a good idea to take a fishing net with you to help safely secure your catch.

Poor handling

Pontoon boats have a pretty poor turn radius. They’re not ideal for making sharp turns. You won’t be able to fit a party barge style pontoon boat into a tight channel or cove. If you want a boat with a tight turn radius and ideal mobility, try a traditional deck boat. They offer better steering, and are easier to maneuver on the water.

They’re not good for deep sea fishing

As mentioned, pontoon boats can coast over choppy water. But when it comes to big waves and rough waters, they are not the boat of choice. To get the best performance out of a pontoon boat, you’ll want to stay somewhat close to land. You’ll also want to avoid rivers and lakes on extremely windy, wavy days. It’s good to be brave and try new things. But setting out into deep wavy water should be avoided at all costs. Pontoons can handle moderate water conditions, but are not designed for rough waters.

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of fishing in a pontoon boat, give it a shot—or don’t. At least you’ll know what to expect, and what to avoid while pontoon-fishing.

RBFF's Best Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat

By: PDB Magazine

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has compiled a list of the Best Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat. The list of locations is bolstered by endorsements from celebrities and fishing pros, and the help of federal and state representatives. 

The full list of Best Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat is available at TakeMeFishing.org and highlights include:

• Percy Priest Lake, Tenn. - Country music star Luke Bryan admits "a good fisherman never shares his best spot," but still offers up his favorite place to escape his fast-paced world for some relaxing time on the water. Known for "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day," Bryan's favorite spot near Nashville is a natural addition to this year's list. Bryan has a clothing line of the same name available at Cabela's, and fans can catch the country music megastar on his HFE tour this summer.
• Presque Isle Bay, Pa. - Professional offensive lineman and former Army Ranger, Alejandro "Big Al" Villanueva, picked this popular spot on Lake Erie, and knows a thing or two about the importance of good tackle and a strong line. When he's not protecting the quarterback, Al says, "I spend a lot of my free time fishing and really cherish any time on the water."
• Degray Lake, Ark. - Having grown up in nearby Poyen, Ark., country music singer Justin Moore often frequented Degray Lake as a young boy, and passed down his love of fishing to his own kids. He remembers, "watching my oldest daughter catch her first fish all by herself has to be my favorite moment out there."
• Texas City Dyke, Texas - Professional angler Cindy Nguyen added this spot, noting, "I grew up fishing in Texas City Dyke and the surrounding areas. It's still one of my favorite places to bring the family."
• Central Park, N.Y. - Host of South Bend's Lunkerville, Michael de Avila, better known to his fans as Mike D., picked an unexpected fishing oasis in the middle of the nation's largest city. Central Park offers three unique family-friendly spots at the lake, the pond and the Harlem Meer.
• Webb Lake, Fla. - Women's sportfishing advocate and outdoor writer Debbie Hanson loves the fishing at wildlife at Webb Lake. "Not only is Webb Lake great for numbers of largemouth bass and bluegill, but there are also some fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. I've spotted sandhill cranes, great blue herons and white-tailed deer on my visits."
• South Padre Island, Texas - Pedro Sors, professional angler and Mexico's most popular fishing TV show host, chose this popular spot for its ability to provide him and his sons with "a sense of freedom and a way to connect with nature and myself."
• Buckeye Creek, Calif. - Chelsea Day of the Someday I'll Learn blog, fondly recalls memories at this picturesque spot in the eastern Sierras. "Our oldest son caught his first fish at this spot, and it was really special to be able to cook it right up and serve it for dinner at the campsite. Such a sense of accomplishment for him!"

"This year we decided to ask some of our friends and partners where they like to go fishing, and the response has been overwhelming," said RBFF President and CEO, Frank Peterson. "While the locations are as diverse as the people who shared them, some key themes emerged. Fishing and boating are easy ways to escape life's tensions, and you're never too far from a quality body of water. So whether you're getting over a stressful week at the office or simply trying to cut back on screen time, this is the year to get out on the water together to help conserve and restore our nation's aquatic natural resources."